Totem

Embark on a tantalizing journey into the world of mixology with the Totem cocktail, a creation by the skilled Swedish bartender Boudy Ghostine. Crafted as an entrancing libation for the Twisted Classic round at the prestigious World Class cocktail final in New Delhi, India, Totem marries the richness of Zacapa 23 rum with the complexity of Tanqueray No. TEN gin and LBV port, weaving together a tapestry of flavors that evoke both elegance and adventure.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 3/4 fl oz/50ml Zacapa 23 rum
• 4 tsp Tanqueray No. TEN gin
• 4 tsp LBV port
• 2 3/4 fl oz/80ml pineapple juice
• 1 fl oz/30ml lemon juice
• 3 tsp sugar syrup
• 2 tsp cherry syrup
• Ice cubes

PREPARATIONS:

1. Assemble the captivating ensemble of ingredients that will fuse together to form the Totem cocktail—a balanced blend of Zacapa 23 rum, Tanqueray No. TEN gin, LBV port, pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup, cherry syrup, and ice cubes.

CONCOCTION:

1. Begin crafting the Totem cocktail by introducing the soul of the libation—Zacapa 23 rum—a velvety elixir that forms the foundation of the experience.
2. Elevate the symphony of flavors by adding the exquisite layers of Tanqueray No. TEN gin and LBV port, infusing the concoction with a complex dance of botanicals and depth.
3. Enrich the composition with the lush embrace of pineapple juice, a tropical cascade that adds a vibrant and invigorating dimension to the libation.
4. Harness the bright zing of lemon juice, a citrusy revelation that lends a delightful tang to the concoction.
5. Weave a subtle tapestry of sweetness with the inclusion of sugar syrup, harmoniously balancing the flavors and textures.
6. Elevate the libation’s allure with the addition of cherry syrup, adding a touch of luxurious richness that dances on the palate.

PRESENTATION & GARNISH:

1. As the symphony of ingredients melds together, shake the concoction with ice, allowing the flavors to intertwine and harmonize.
2. Strain the elixir into a tiki mug, capturing the vibrant hues and enchanting aromas that await within.
3. Illuminate the presentation with a garnish that reflects the libation’s dual nature—adorn the cocktail with a pineapple wedge and a sprig of mint, a celebration of the tropical and the refined.
4. Elevate the visual allure with a twist of lemon zest, a citrusy flourish that adds a final touch of elegance to the creation.

The Totem cocktail is more than a libation; it’s a tribute to the artistry of Boudy Ghostine and the spirit of exploration that defines mixology. Through its carefully curated blend of premium spirits, tropical essences, and harmonious flavors, Totem invites you to embark on a sensory odyssey that transcends boundaries.

As you raise the tiki mug to your lips, you become a part of a legacy—a legacy that celebrates innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of exceptional taste. The Totem cocktail is a testament to the skillful hands and visionary mind that crafted it, inviting you to savor the luxurious embrace of Zacapa 23 rum, the captivating allure of Tanqueray No. TEN gin, and the mystique of LBV port—all in a harmonious symphony that leaves an indelible mark on the palate.